The focus of the convention called by Left parties in Delhi later this month, in which leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav and Nitish Kumar will take part, will be on strengthening secular values and isolate communal forces.

CPI national secretary Atul Kumar Anjaan today said here that the Left leaders are trying to ensure participation of all secular parties in the convention. The "National Convention in Defence of Secularism" will be held at Talkatora Indoor Stadium in Delhi on October 30.

Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, JD(U) leaders Sharad Yadav and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda have confirmed their participation, Anjaan said, adding that Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik is also likely to come. Besides them, a large number of activists will also attend the convention, Anjaan said.

He said that this convention is being organised in the backdrop of Muzaffarnagar riots and repeated efforts by communal forces to create disturbances.